Don Iñigo d'Avalos, d. 1484, Grand Chamberlain of Naples 1449 [obverse] c. 1449 - 1450

This bronze medal of Don Iñigo d'Avalos was created by Pisanello around 1449, masterfully capturing the sitter’s likeness in profile. The circular form of the medal is crucial here; it structures the composition, framing d'Avalos's bust and the surrounding inscription. Note how Pisanello employs line and contour to define d'Avalos's features. The smooth, flowing lines of his hat contrast with the intricate folds of his clothing, creating a play of textures that enlivens the surface. The inscription is not merely text, but an integral design element. Its placement and the letterforms themselves contribute to the medal's overall visual harmony. This medal exemplifies the Renaissance interest in classical forms, yet it also represents a break from those traditions through its innovative approach to portraiture and design. The medal, as a medium, allows for the dissemination of images and ideas, challenging fixed meanings and engaging with new ways of thinking about representation. It becomes a portable symbol of power and identity.